Considering the dangerous paths Robben Ford has taken these past few years—rough blues and instrumental jazz-rock fusion—this latest could be dismissed as lightweight. Especially considering that the snob in you might have plenty of fuel in the presence of Michael McDonald on this disc. This set of quietly commanding jazz-pop actually suits Ford well, however, even if he only brings out the flash on special occasions. Think mid-period Steely Dan with lots of B-3, no irony, and Jeff Beck on the solos, or, at the same time, Todd Rundgren playing Donny Hathaway’s songbook.

It helps that he has the guests to guide him, of course, and that also includes perfect accomplices like former Was (Not Was) belter Sweet Pea Atkinson and fellow Yellowjackets confrere Russel Ferrante on piano. Then there’s Ford’s essential honesty; even when he tries to be pretentious, as on the quasi-gospel “Water For The Wicked,” he still comes off genuine, if a bit muddled. No harm done. So if there are no big surprises on Supernatural, and Ford really is making a play for the middle of the road, let him, because the gentle, quiet joys of the violin-soaked “Don’t Lose Your Faith In Me” contain just as much truth as a real roots classic like, oh, Paul Butterfield’s “Lovin’ Cup.” Which, by the way, is also here.